[Old Bear] Black Wood & Nickel Small, Stainless - Made in Italy

Description:

The Old Bear Black Wood & Nickel Stainless knives are part of the Total Black Line from Antonini Knives, a premium series of folding pocket knives designed for everyday carry (EDC) and multipurpose use.

These knives are crafted in the beautiful mountain town of Maniago, nestled in the foothills of the Italian Alps in the north of Italy—a region renowned for its centuries-old knife-making tradition.

Properly Treated Blade

It has clip-point blade made from W 1.4060 stainless steel, hardened to 58 HRC with cryogenic treatment for enhanced durability, and coated in black PTFE for low friction, corrosion resistance, and a sleek matte finish.

Laminated Wooden Handle

The handle is constructed from black laminated wood, treated with technical vaseline oil for protection and a smooth feel. The collar (safety ring) is nickel-plated brass, which adds to the corrosion resistance and requires minimal maintenance compared to standard brass.

The patented slide-lock mechanism uses a rotating ring to securely hold the blade open or closed—it's precise, with tight tolerances that give a satisfying snap and make it a delight to engage and disengage.

Blades are artisanally hand-sharpened and deburred in an old school Italian workshop, ensuring razor-sharp edges out of the box.

Better than Opinel

Compared to the classic French Opinel knives, the Old Bear represents a gorgeous upgrade in build quality and materials.

While Opinels are reliable and affordable with their simple beechwood handles and basic stainless or carbon steel blades, the Old Bear's laminated wood, PTFE-coated stainless blade, and robust nickel-plated components offer superior durability, weather resistance, and aesthetics.

The blade feels nice and tight with excellent tolerances, reducing any play, and the innovative rotating lock is often praised as more user-friendly—easier to operate even with wet or gloved hands—than Opinel's Virobloc system.

If you're looking for a refined Italian alternative with that extra polish, the Old Bear delivers on both form and function. These are some of the best quality knives available for the money.

The Italian Old Bear

Old Bear knives are known for their classic design and are produced by Antonini Knives. All knives are produced in the knife capital of Italy: Maniago. The Old Bear brand emerged in 2015 to celebrate the 90th anniversary of Antonini Knives (1925-2015).